Very-long-chain fatty acid elongase (ELOVL)

**Very long-chain fatty acid synthesis** refers to the enzymatic process catalyzed by the very-long-chain fatty acid elongase (ELOVL) family of enzymes, which are responsible for elongating fatty acids beyond 22 carbons, primarily in the endoplasmic reticulum[2][3][6][7][8]. This is not a single molecular target, but a pathway involving a multisubunit enzyme complex; in mammals, at least seven ELOVL isoforms (ELOVL1–7) exist, each with unique substrate specificity[2]. These elongases sequentially add two-carbon units to acyl-CoA substrates, producing very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) that are essential components of membrane sphingolipids and glycerophospholipids, as well as important for skin barrier function, neuronal myelination, and other physiological processes[8]. Disruption of VLCFA synthesis is implicated in diverse diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., adrenoleukodystrophy), skin disorders, and metabolic syndromes[1][8]. In research and agricultural settings, certain herbicides (e.g., pyroxasulfone) act by inhibiting plant VLCFA elongase activity[1]. VLCFA levels serve as biomarkers for peroxisomal disorders, and indiscriminate inhibition can result in severe toxicity due to the essential nature of VLCFAs in cell membranes and signaling[8].

Other names

ELOVL enzyme familyFatty acid elongase complexFatty acid elongation complex

Inhibition of elongase enzymes (e.g., by pyroxasulfone) inhibits synthesis of VLCFAs